Billingham Town went top of the Arngrove Northern League First Division with a 2-1 win over Newcastle Benfield Bay Plastics who started the game joint third.

Michael Dixon gave them a first half lead and after John McKie restored parity, Billingham snatched the victory with a last-minute penalty by Andrew Burton.

Durham City missed the opportunity to move into pole position when they lost 2-1 to West Auckland Town at the Archibald Stadium. Stephen Richardson pounced on a rebound to put the home team ahead but after Dale Jardine levelled, Danny Kay hit the winner on 89 minutes.

Ben Pringle and Tim Wilson had Morpeth two goals up but Bishop Auckland took a point with a late brace from Richard Storr, while Andrew Reay and a Darren Sankey penalty earned Sunderland Nissan the points at Tow Law Town.

Penrith maintained their grip on the second division defeating Ryton, who scored first through John Ludlow, 3-1. Andy Douglas, Dale Armstrong and Michael Reed netted for the Cumbrians.

South Shields are second following a 2-1 victory at Esh Winning whose only goal came late from Wayne Rigg. Jamie Elrington and Paul Terrell were on target for the Mariners.

David Little, Martin Wardale and Stuart Hepple netted in a 3-2 victory for North Shields at Sunderland RCA for whom Willie Crew bagged a brace.

Prudhoe Town won for the first time defeating Team Northumbria 5-1.

Kevin Hay and Ian Robson put Whickham two goals up at Spennymoor Town, who took a point courtesy of Warren Byrne and David Morgan.